The Westmont Democrat collected $37,826 for food and lodging from January 2008 through October 2009, more than any other state senator.

The “per diem” reimbursement, which is paid in addition to the senator’s $78,314.66 annual salary, represents 144 days in the capital on legislative business, according to data compiled by the chief clerk of the Senate.

That's $262 a day.

What they should do is build a dorm, with little private rooms that has a desk, TV, computer, phone. Have a cafeteria for them to eat and that's it, take it or leave it.. Anything else comes out of their own pockets.

He hit the nail on the head when it said the per diem amount was acceptable by law, he & a lot of others will take the max for everyday they can. Thats the type of people we have in polotics for the most part & it brings to wonder just who sets these limits, maybe the same ones that approve their own pay raises. Just imagion if we could all set our own pays, they couldn`t print the worthless paper fast enough.